Tag Archives: funding

Published December 6, 2013 by The Foundation of the Tennessee and Memphis Conferences of the United Methodist Church

The living trust is becoming quite a popular estate planning strategy. It costs more than a will, but includes many features that are helpful during life and in your estate. Let’s review some of the basic principles of the living trust. Continue reading →

Published November 2, 2012
United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee and Memphis Conferences

Where is the Missing Will?

More than 40 wills were submitted to the probate court, with a multitude of potential heirs each claiming to be the true recipient of a wealthy business owner who passed away in 1976. With a $2.5 billion estate at stake, there was an intense interest in the decision of the court.

After extensive review of the 40 documents, the court finally determined that none of the 40 wills were valid. Because there was no valid will, the court divided the $2.5 billion estate among 22 relatives. Court costs, attorney costs, and estate taxes were enormous, but the 22 heirs still each received millions of dollars.